As seen on BRIDES
–
Julia and Mallory (with the help of Vanessa Noel Events) searched for a wedding venue that could host their guests for the entire weekend, and of course, they fell in love with Ojai Valley Inn. The larger resort offers The Farmhouse as a wonderful event space just steps from guest rooms, and it was perfect for the couple’s vision for their weekend celebration.
Their love story
Mal and Julia first met as freshmen at Marymount University in Palos Verdes, first crossing paths in a Facebook group created for incoming students. Once on campus, their first date (dinner at Islands, so chill!) was easy and unassuming. They were on-and-off throughout their college years, and eventually realized they felt like they were home with one another.
Years later, their proposals unfolded with thoughtfulness. Julia proposed first, planning an intimate moment at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. A picnic was laid out, the menu items cleverly named after their dogs. Julia read a letter to Mallory’s late mother, then got down on one knee. The celebration continued with a gathering of Mallory’s family.
About a month later, Mallory returned the gesture. The couple stayed in an Airbnb overlooking the Eiffel Tower during a trip to Paris with Julia’s family. As the lights on the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle, Mallory proposed on the balcony.
The design
Vanessa got to work curating the brides’ Ojai Valley Inn Farmhouse wedding. She leaned into the color palette and textures already inherent in The Farmhouse’s decor for the reception. The Great Room’s oatmeal, khaki, and blue plaid carpet set the tone for a neutral yet feminine design.
The brides wanted to make sure the celebration felt personal, too. They agreed on pastel shades and lots of floral details. Lavender reminds Julia of Mallory, so there were nods to Ojai Valley Inn’s signature flowering herb throughout the design. The lounge space at the reception was modeled after to the Montage Resort in Deer Valley, Utah, where Mallory spent time with family while growing up.
The early March rain created a muddy, wet lawn, so the ceremony moved indoors to the library. The sun still peeked out in the afternoon for portraits of the two beautiful brides, and guests enjoyed The Farmhouse patio before moving into The Great Room for dinner. Mallory and Julia’s friends and family were greeted by Breanna Jane Botanicals arrangements in soft shades of lavender, peach, and pastel pink. Avenue Twelve’s custom bar echoed the floral illustrations on the couple’s invitation suite. Guests sat at grey wood farm tables, also from Avenue Twelve, and enjoyed entertainment by West Coast Music.
The celebration
The result was a sophisticated, modern space with elements of springtime. The vibes were set for an elevated celebration! The rain couldn’t dampen Julia and Mallory’s spirits, and the joyful day was full of excitement and love. This Ojai Valley Inn Farmhouse wedding was truly wonderful; here are just a handful of my favorite images.
P.S. I got to meet Julia and Mallory in person for the first time at the Taylor Swift Era’s Tour show in Los Angeles. We’d first chatted over a Zoom call, and after a few weeks of texting, we realized we’d be at the concert on the same night! It was so much fun getting to rendezvous at the bar before the show started. Our seats were even close together, just one section apart! It was meant to be.
—
Be sure to also check out Haley + Tanner’s wedding at Ojai Valley Inn!
Design + planning: Vanessa Noel Events
Photography: Emily Loeppke
Videography: I Heart Creative Films
Floral design: Breanna Jane Botanicals
Venue: The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn
Hair + makeup: Samara Beauty
Rentals: Avenue Twelve + Theoni Collection
Entertainment: West Coast Music
Lighting + draping: Bella Vista Designs
Wedding dresses: Pronovias
Cake: Lele Patisserie
Featured in: BRIDES
